Authorities in Ghana say they have arrested 93 Nigerian nationals and rescued 73 victims during a major operation targeting suspected internet fraud networks in the capital, Accra.
The operation was carried out by the Ghana Immigration Service at the DEVTRACO Estate in Accra, according to a statement issued on 9 March 2026.
Officials said 91 men and two women were detained during the intelligence-led raid, which targeted houses believed to be linked to organised online fraud activities.
The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo from the service’s National Operations Unit.
Victims allegedly tortured
Immigration officers raided six houses within the estate, where investigators say some victims had been subjected to severe abuse.
Authorities said the victims were rescued during the operation and have since been repatriated to Nigeria.
Officials did not immediately provide further details about the victims or the nature of the alleged exploitation.
Fraud equipment seized
During the raid, officers seized several items believed to have been used in the suspected criminal activities.
According to the immigration service, these included, counterfeit US dollar notes, fake gold bars, 82 laptop computers, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets and other household appliances.
Investigators believe the equipment may have been used in online fraud schemes.
Immigration violations suspected
Preliminary investigations suggest that some of the suspects may have entered Ghana through unauthorised routes, while others are believed to have overstayed the 90-day visa-free period allowed under the Economic Community of West African States free movement agreement.
Further investigations are continuing at the national headquarters of the Ghana Immigration Service to determine the full scope of the suspected network.
Warning to foreign nationals
The immigration service also reminded foreign residents that Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act, 2005 prohibits recruiting, transporting or harbouring individuals through force, fraud or abuse for the purpose of exploitation.
Those convicted under the law can face five to 20 years in prison, while offences involving children or aggravating circumstances may attract life imprisonment.
Authorities also warned that entering Ghana through unauthorised routes or overstaying a visa is an offence under the Immigration Act, 2000, punishable by fines or prison terms of three months to two years.
The immigration service said it would continue operations against immigration-related crimes while working to protect vulnerable people from exploitation.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
